Review of BRIGHTSIDE, A Novel

 

BRIGHTSIDE, A Novel

MARK TULLIUS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I found Brightside, a novel, to be a disturbing story. The government confines characters in an environment of their kind - telepaths on a mountain. Does this sound familiar?

The story is confusing and dark. Joe, the main character, is on the verge of a mental breakdown. His misadventures in relationships and misuse of his abilities might drive him over the edge.

There are only two ways for Joe to resolve his predicament - kill himself or get off the mountain. However, his interrelationship with others and nonsensical events lead to an unconventional ending.

Mr. Tullius' writing is crisp, fast-moving, and clear to understand. But unfortunately, Brightside, A Novel is not on the bright side but the dark side of the human mind.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3t7vOqc

Fuel From Russia

 

End Times? February Rant 2022

 

I moved to Free Florida in the '70s from Massachusetts, my birth State. I was not too fond of the ideas floating around by my political and family members. I worked on a Democrat City project (Family aided appointment) and helped a Democrat family friend run for City Council. My family and friends were Democrats.

I grew up disliking Republicans - our family DNA. Our Italian family was huge, with twelve aunts and uncles and fifty-two cousins.

My problem, or maybe their problem was, I started asking questions. I just graduated from college and spent my time before that in Vietnam as a Green Beret, a specialist in Operations and Intelligence ('69 -'71.)

They didn't call me a racist or a white supremacist. But the cousins and friends who went to college and not to Nam told me they knew better. In other words, we know better, follow don't lead.

I always thought, "Out of the box," looking for ways to make things better. But unfortunately, nothing has changed in Massachusetts. They are still "Woke," the State is called Taxachusetts, and all voted for Biden.

I talked to one Democrat cousin last month, who voted for Biden. She told me the State was importing fuel from Russia, and gas prices increased.

She is eighty-four, so I did not rub it in nor ask questions about Russia and Ukraine or how that war would affect her stove fuel. I just let it go. Old age does that to one. I am seventy-four and writing on Substack and Scribestar.

 

Go Figure.

Review of THE REDHEAD

 

THE REDHEAD

Aleksandar Miljkovic

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This story seems plausible with recent the United Kingdom and USA news coming to light - wealthy men taking advantage of young women. Present-day (2/16/22), a prince pays twelve million dollars to a woman for his indecent acts while on a junket to a wealthy Hollywood producer's compound.

In this story, Buster, a Miami detective, is asked to help solve a crime in Canada with no details about the crime.

It is a secret that his new Canadian partner Cliff advises him of the sex trafficking of redhead women by wealthy connected men. And, Billy is doing what Billy does well in another part of town - interesting and strange happenstances with his new friend Albert.

The four men evolve in thrilling events that keep the reader waiting for this page-turner to end. When it comes, THE REDHEADS will be grateful, and the reader will be glad they read this well-written novel.

 Purchase:  https://amzn.to/36ljqLH

 

Review of THE GENIE ACADEMY

THE GENIE ACADEMY

 

KARIN DE HAVIN

 

Review by Roy Murry

 

An interesting concept put into a novel - a genie college? Edmund's family wants him to be a lawyer.

Their big mistake was hiring a Jin as a tutor, or does the genie pick the family? Whichever, Edmund is in for a life-changing adventure.

What happens in the academy stays in the academy. Edmund learns this and much more.

This fun book keeps the reader laughing about the trials and errors of a young man going to school. He gets in trouble with the headmaster, falls in love, and is taunted by his Genie/Tudor and classmates.

The novel is well constructed for a first in a series for young adults.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3Amfp4I

 

Review of A RECIPE FOR LOVE

 

NICOLA YEAGER

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

DELICIOUS is a word to describe A RECIPE FOR LOVE. This novel set off endorphins in my mind when reading about the Christmas menu prepared at Carol's Bistro.

 Ms. Yeager is either a French Chef or has done excellent research in writing this fun novel. According to their accountant, Carol and her partner, Roksana, own a Bistro in London that needs an uplift.

But it's Christmas time, which for Carol is a time for a lover's depression moment. So, she cooks dinner for her mother to explain the situation and then listens to her reply - In this case, 'mother knows best.'

Carol gives into a Christmas affair with Roksana and their staff. The games begin with the Bistro, menu, and all. The transition is hilarious to read about, and if you are a foodie – DELICIOUS.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3daW6An

 

Review of Book 1 in Poppy McGuire Series

  

 

THE ELEVENTH HOUR

The Poppy McGuire Series

 

ANNA COLLINS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Poppy is a grown-up Nancy Drew, except her father owns the only bar in town. She teams up with a town outsider, Alex, a young retired detective.

A wealthy woman is strangled in her home, and the police believe it is a robbery. Poppy disagrees, believing that the person who killed her was someone the woman knew.

The case moves in Poppy's direction when a neighbor mentions that a man came to the murdered woman's door in the eleventh hour a few nights a week and the night in question.

Poppy and Alex investigate further when she thinks it's one person and Alex has his doubts. Unfortunately, the killer is closer than they think when a deadly event happens to them.

This novel is personality-driven with Poppy, the narrator. A little too detailed for me, but it works with uncomplicated writing.

Poppy will get better at investigating in the series, and I will most likely read another in it. Good Read first in a mystery series.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3o1rzuU

 

Review of THE LONG CASE CLOCK

THE LONG CASE CLOCK

 KEN FRY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

A fast-paced thriller you should read if you dare to. A marriage is broken by circumstance - money, and personality.

The couple goes on a trip and rents a house. A villager tells the man, "Things are not right with that house."

He laughs inside and returns to the house to cook a great meal for his ungrateful wife, sightseeing. Then, finally, the clock comes alive and psychologically takes over the man.

The slow pace to the end is a killer.

This snippet of Ken Fry's writing will entice the reader to buy one of his novels. It has for me.

 

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/3FzNLCA

Ken Fry: https://amzn.to/2ZbRdnq